Winter Treks in India: Himalayan Dream Treks

Trekking is the best outdoor activity as it helps you get closer to nature while building physical and mental strength. And Winter trekking takes the level a notch up. Winter in India can be freezing in one place and mild in another, and in the mountainous region, it is a different tale altogether. Winter treks in India are done in the mighty Himalayas, which are sprawled across 12 states of the country.

These states are Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal. Remember, while a few states are famous for their adventurous snow trek, others are known for their best forest trails in India.

Snow or winter treks are famous among adventure enthusiasts, seasoned trekkers, and even beginners. The added difficulty of harsh climate conditions with snow carpets, incredible views, frozen lakes, etc, is like hitting the jackpot of all-natural gifts.

There are different kinds of winter treks based on difficulty level, and that too is also based on technicality, duration, and terrain type.

We will discuss the top 9 best winter treks in India, prior preparation for a smooth trek, and challenges in this blog.

List of Top 9 Best Winter Treks in India

Here, we have formulated a perfect and unique list of winter treks and everything you need to know about it. Remember –

1. Duration includes the travel from the nearest city per our itineraries.
2. Total distance represents the trek length that you will be walking, NOT drive distance.

1. Kedarkantha Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Govind Pashu Vihar National Park, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand
Duration	5 days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude	12,500 ft
Total Trekking Distance	20 km
Starting from	Starting City – Dehradun | Base – Sankri Village
Peaks Visible	Swargrohini 1,2,3, Bandarpunch, Kala Nag, Rupin Pass, etc.
Suitable For	Both Experienced and Beginners

Kedarkantha Trek is one of the most preferred winter treks in the country and for all the right reasons. The trek rewards you with a “Summit Climb” because Kedarkantha stands tall as a free-standing mountain, adding more advantages to this trek.

Trekking to Kedarkantha is neither easy nor difficult; it is just a little challenging. The trail slowly gains elevation, making you climb a steep, inclined trail toward the summit. You will be rewarded for all the hard work with a beautiful sunrise on the white Himalayan peaks.

The trek is for anyone who wants to experience a Summit Climb, snow trekking, and small meadow walk in a short span of 5 days (travel included from Dehradun). 

2. Dayara Bugyal Trek 

Attributes	Details
Region	Bhatwari tehsil, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand
Duration	4 days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy
Maximum Altitude	12,000 ft
Total Trekking Distance	22 km
Starting from	Starting City – Dehradun | Base – Raithal Village
Peaks Visible	Gangotri Peaks, Srikanth, Bandarpuch, Draupadi ka Danda, etc.
Suitable For	Beginners including Families with young Children, Nature Lovers, Adventure Enthusiast

Bugyal, in the local language, translates to “meadows,” which means you will trek for one of the grandest alpine grasslands of the Himalayas. Dayara Bugyal is the most loved, easy, and kid-friendly trek. 

The speciality of Dayara is the beautiful stone-paved easy trail that goes through small clearings, dense forests, the twin lakes of Gui, and, of course, the vast alpine meadow itself. Imagine all these places covered in snow, looking all magical Narnia with twin frozen lakes for you to explore. 

Now that you’ve imagined it, can you deny the beauty of this trek? Starting from the unique base village “Raithal,” you will be charmed by the beauty, views, friendly community, ancient temples, and archaic architecture Panch Pura of the “Koti Banal” style.  

Tip: For adventure seekers, you can extend this trek to the Summit of Surya Top at an elevation of 12,900 ft via Devkund.

3. Chopta Chandrashila Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Rudraprayag District, Uttarakhand
Duration	4 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude	12,000 ft
Total Trekking Distance	10 km
Starting from	Starting City – Rishikesh | Base – Chopta Village
Peaks Visible	Mt. Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba Massif, Mt. Trishul, etc
Suitable For	Beginners including Nature & Adventure Enthusiast, Families with young Children

Starting from the Yoga Capital of the World – Rishikesh, Chopta Chandrashila trek starts with a spiritual tone from the beginning itself. To reach Rishikesh, you can either book a direct train or go to Dehradun first; as the capital, the city is well connected with motorable roads, a railway station, and the nearest Jolly Grant Airpot of Dehradun. 

Chopta is a small area that serves as the base camp for the trek towards the “Tungnath Temple” of Lord Shiva. The trek is a small, easy one and it takes you to the World’s Highest Temple of Lord Shiva at the height of 3680 m above sea level. 

The temple is one of the “Panch Kedar Temples,” where it is believed that Lord Shiva’s arms appeared here while hiding from the Pandavas. The infrastructure resembles the infamous and the first of Panch Kedar – the Kedarnath Temple.

This short trek is easy to moderate in nature because of its steep, inclined climb to the temple, making it perfect for a beginner with enough sense of adventure. 

Another highlight of the trek is “Chandrashila,” also known as Moonstone, which provides beautiful views of the mentioned peaks. Don’t worry; you have to just trek for another 1.5 km from Tungnath Temple to reach this point.

The trek is beautiful around the year, but winter trekking adds more to the beauty and adventure without requiring more days or technicality. 

4. Brahmatal Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Duration	6 days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy to Moderate
Maximum Altitude	12,250 ft
Total Trekking Distance	24 km
Starting from	Rishikesh | Base – Lohajung Village
Peaks Visible	Trishul I & II, Devtholi, Mriguthuni, etc
Suitable For	Both Experienced and Beginners

Brahmatal is said to be Lord Brahma’s chosen lake for meditation. You will realise upon reaching this calm lake surrounded by dense forest, making all the hard work worth it.

Though the trek is long, it is not difficult and does not have rough terrain, making this a perfect choice for beginners. On this trek, you will come across points like Telandi Top and Shiva Temple on Jhandi Top and may get the chance to witness not 1 but 3 lakes.

Besides Brahmatal, you will encounter Khop Tal or Khopariya Tal in the beginning, dedicated to Nag Devta, and another seasonal lake.

Beahmatal winter trek is recommended because it is one of the few easy-level treks with all the benefits of winter, like snow trekking, frozen lakes, and a summit climb.

5. Nag Tibba Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Tehri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand
Duration	2-3 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy
Maximum Altitude	9,915 ft
Total Trekking Distance	20 km
Starting from	Starting City – Dehradun | Base – Pantwari Village
Peaks Visible	Chanabang, Doon Valley, Bandarpuch, Swargrohini, etc
Suitable For	Beginners including Families with Kids, Weekend Lovers, Nature Enthusiast

Nag Tibba Trek is the perfect weekend getaway if you are short on time and want to experience snow trekking. Nag Tibba translates to “Adobe or Home of Snake Lord,” which adds to the cultural value of this trek.

The home of Snake Lord (Nag Devta) cannot be just anywhere, right? Nag Tibba is the highest peak in the Lesser Himalayan Range. So within 2 days, you will trek a short distance, an easy trek, and still reach the highest peak.

This is a perfect trek for parents who want to introduce winter trekking to their kids and an excellent choice for elderlies as well.

6. Kuari Pass Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Chamoli District, Uttarakhand
Duration	6 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Moderate
Maximum Altitude	12,500 ft
Total Trekking Distance	36 km
Starting from	Starting City – Rishikesh/Joshimath | Base – Dhak Village
Peaks Visible	Mt. Nanda Devi, Chaukhamba, Kamet, Hathi Parbat, Gauri or Ghori Parbat, Neelkantha, Dronagiri etc
Suitable For	Both Experienced and Beginners

Kuari Pass Trek is a longer trek that allows you to experience all aspects of trekking in snow, like walking in knee-deep snow wearing spikes and gaiters. Another aspect is starting your trek in the night or morning, like 2-3 am, to chase the sunrise from Kuari Top.

Photos don’t do justice to the sunrise, which is no less than any masterpiece. No one can replicate the view of sunbeams hitting the snow-capped mountain peaks; you have to trek here to witness this beauty. 

Kuari Pass and Kuari Top are at the same altitude with a short distance between them; hence, you can easily cover both. This trail was explored by the then Viceroy of India – Lord George Curzon, in the year 1905, giving the trail a nickname, “Lord Curzon Trail.”

7. Chadar Trek 

Attributes	Details
Region	Leh, Ladakh
Duration	6 to 7 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Difficult
Maximum Altitude	Approx 11,154 ft
Total Trekking Distance	50 to 60 km, Depending on the frozen state of the river
Starting from	Starting City – Ladakh | Base – Leh
Attraction	Narek Waterfall
Suitable For	Experienced Trekkers

Chadar Trek is one of the few treks available in the Ladakh region. The stellar views will start from the beginning itself, on our way to Leh, where you will come across the confluence of two rivers, Indus and Zanskar, at Nimmu.

In this trek, you will walk on a frozen lake throughout the trek and reach a humongous and frozen “Narek Waterfall” – the Father of all Waterfalls in India.

“Chadar” translates to bedsheet, and in this case, it is a sheet of ice over the fierce river of Zanskar.

Due to harsh weather in winter, the temperature drops to minus 30℃, turning the whole Zanskar River rock ice. It is considered one of the best winter treks in India because of the freezing temperatures, long trail, and walking on frozen lakes in the remotest area of the country. The Chadar treks allow us the chance to see these natural marvels and how the local community lives there.

Global Warming is affecting this trek and the sensitive ecology of the area. Hence, every year, an increase in the unfrozen patches of the river is observed. The patches are hazardous, creating a life-threatening situation. The increase in temperature also hampers the formation of ice/ chadar over the entire river. We go through the rocky side part of the river in this case. 

It is a request to all trekkers to follow guidelines, be mindful of the sensitive ecology and follow “Leave No Trace“. 

8. Triund Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh
Duration	2 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Easy
Maximum Altitude	9,350 ft
Total Trekking Distance	11 to 12 km
Starting from	Dharamshala
Peaks Visible	Dhauladhar ranges, Moon Peak, Rifle Horn and Kangra Valley
Suitable For	Beginners

Triund Trek is one of the best winter treks in Himachal Pradesh. Also, it can be classified as the easiest trek in the Himalayas because of its short distance and accessibility with scenic views. The trek is accessible from both Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj, making it easier to access from the start. In the beginning, you will be treated to the views of Bhagsunag Waterfall.

The trail to Triund Top is easy and steep, which may challenge your physical endurance if you are not fit. Triund is the perfect trek for parents who want to introduce Himalayan or winter treks to their kids. Children are a canon of energy, and with beautiful Himalayan views, they can reach the top easily. 

Famous as a weekend trek due to easy accessibility from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, , Mohali, Noida, etc, people prefer to start this trek in the morning and end with the sunset. Many prefer to spend the night camping at the top and witness the sunrise as well.

You can extend this trek towards Lakha Caves and Indrahar Pass, given you have a guide or professional training.

9. Sandakphu Phalut Trek

Attributes	Details
Region	Darjeeling, West Bengal | Singailla National Park
Duration	7 Days
Grad/Difficulty Level	Moderate
Maximum Altitude	11,930 ft
Total Trekking Distance	81 km
Starting from	Starting City – Jalpaiguri | Base – Sepi
Peaks Visible & Attraction	World’s 4 Tallest peaks: Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu and witness the sleeping Buddha
Suitable For	Both Beginners & Experienced Trekkers

Sandakphu is one of the rare treks that not only allow you to witness 1 but 4 tallest mountain peaks in the world (names mentioned above). The trek is long and covers a longer distance every day, but the trail is not difficult. 

The trail is a mix of steep ascent, descent, clearings, and small meadow-like areas in Phalut, all of which revert between India and slightly touch Nepal. Yes, you get to trek internationally on this trek by meandering trails between the two countries. 

This trek is like a never-ending surprises; with the four tallest peaks sharing boundaries, you also get to explore 3 different kinds of forest areas as well. Visualise yourself walking through green oaks, which slowly turn to golden oak and finally, a green ambush of bamboo shoots, which does not allow you to see another colour. 

All these points make Sandakhphu Phalut a nature lovers utopia, whether a chance of encountering a Red Panda or an Asian Black Bear. If you are among the lucky trekkers, then please observe the wildlife from a distance and do not disturb it. The situation can change against you within minutes. 

Challenges of Trekking in Winter

Trekking in winter and, especially in snow, can be challenging in many ways. This is the time to understand the obstacles beforehand and be prepared. Treat these difficulties as a learning curve to enhance yourself both mentally and physically.

1. Weather Conditions 

For someone who lives in a city with all the modern-day comforts, sudden weather changes can be challenging. Even though we experience winters in our city, it does not come close to the cold of the mountains. In the city, factors like pollution, lower regions, clustered homes, high population, and lack of a barrier that can stop cold winds from bypassing affect the temperature. 

In mountainous areas, the settlement is already in an elevated space, and the population is sparse, which means there are fewer homes with less pollution, hence not diluting the cold atmosphere. Mountains like the Himalayas, which are home to the tallest peaks in the world, add more chill to the winters and are the most significant factor in freezing winters. 

So, for anyone from warm temperatures and resources, trekking in snow can be challenging. 

2. Trail Condition 

The trail, which looks green and filled with colourful blooms, may look completely different during winter. Trails in winter are covered in snow, making it difficult to walk. If the snow is hard and glassy, then it turns slippery, and if it’s powdery with a knee to waist high, then walking through it needs more stamina and energy. 

3. Increased Fatigue 

As mentioned above, harsh weather conditions and challenging trails need more energy; hence, the fatigue may hit you faster than you expected. The body is already using energy to maintain a warm temperature fighting AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), and hiking in these conditions drains energy faster. If not prepared, you may get sick easily with AMS, HAPE & HACE.  

4. Less Daylight  

Winters are filled with fog and smog, and the sun takes the rest after burning us all in Summer. Like plants need sunlight to make food, we humans also need sunlight to feel recharged, and refreshed and distinguish between day, evening & afternoon. Sun exposure helps to maintain our body’s vitamin D level, which is essential for muscle health, immunity system and more. 

5. Frostbite & Hypothermia

Extreme temperatures may lead to frostbite, which is the exposed body parts like the fingertips, ears, cheeks, nose, and lips. Feeling numb and cold may slowly take the form of hypothermia, where the body cannot produce heat fast enough to replenish the lost warmth.  

6. Limited Resources 

Life in the mountains is more challenging than what you see on social media. The aesthetic and cozy rooms with running hot water are not found on treks. Managing resources is a big task and skill on any trek. For example, you carry 2 litres of water without knowing when you’ll get to refill it or, worse, you have no water resources. 

7. Equipment Failure

Snow trekking requires various equipment like crampons, gaiter, spikes, poles, compasses, sleeping rolls, tents, etc. Imagine one less sleeping roll, will you be able to sleep out there in the cold? Broken crampons or spikes will make your walk on slippery snow a disaster. 

This, again, leads to the careful utilisation of limited resources. 

Preparation for Trekking in Winter

1. For Physical Preparation

Physically being fit not only helps you enjoy the trek for which you have come this far but also improves your mood which leads to better mental health. 

It is advised to start following a workout regime 2 months prior to your trek. This helps your body to adjust to new activities and build strength, stamina and endurance levels. 

Focus on cardiovascular activities like running, cycling or swimming to build strong endurance levels and hiking without taking a break every 15 minutes. 

Including weights is vital as you have to carry your own backpack (avoid mules and porters to decrease the footprint on mountains). Work on your leg muscles for long trekking days, your shoulder to carry a backpack and your core for better balance and endurance.

2. For Mental preparation

Research the trek analyse your fitness level, and then only choose a trek. This way, you will have an idea of what to expect on the trek and how to deal with various problems that arise during the trek. The weather in the mountains is unpredictable, so research thoroughly and visualise yourself for both best and worst. 

3. Trek Essentials  

When research was mentioned above, it was also for these things. Surprises like a forgotten identity proof and no prior permit can hamper your trekking plans severely. 

3.1- Essential Clothing

• Base Layer: Invest in moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms to keep sweat away from your skin— the first step to avoid hypothermia. 
• Middle Layer: Insulating layers like fleece or down jackets trap heat and provide warmth.
• Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants protect against the snow and cold. 

3.2- Accessories

Don’t forget warm hats, gloves, sunglasses to protect your eyes from harshly reflecting sunlight on snow, thick woollen socks, and waterproof socks. Gaiters can be useful for keeping snow out of your trekking boots. 

3.3- Gears

• Rucksack: A lightweight, padded and waterproof rucksack is a must for snow trekking. Read how to
• Trekking Shoes: Your feet will say thanks to you for a good quality, flexible, ankle length and waterproof shoe to avoid that frostbite, insect bite and ankle twists. 
• Other items: Trekking poles, waterproof maps, compasses, torches etc, are essential items.

3.4- Permit

Many trekking areas fall into a protected zone that needs a permit, so research beforehand about permits. If you are going with a reputable trekking agency like ours, then they take care of it, still, it is advised to ask prior to the trek.

4. Altitude Sickness Awareness

High Altitude Sickness can turn into a severe health issue if not identified and treated correctly. Identify the symptoms like headache, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, etc and reach out for help as soon as possible. If you don’t feel well after taking medicines and resting, then descending back is the best option as there will be no help in the mountains. 

Hydrate your body, maintain water levels, and acclimatise your body properly before any trek. Follow the trek guide’s commands in such situations.  

FAQs related to winter treks

Conclusion

Trekking in the mountains, plains, and jungles takes you on a journey to find inner peace and be close to nature, and it teaches you many more things. However, trekking in the Indian Himalayas is a different tale of snowy mountains. There are many winter treks in India that can be challenging like Chadar Trek or Sandakphu, and others like Nag Tibba and Tirund, perfect with kids on the weekend. Start your journey of finding yourself, harnessing new strengths and skills and start believing in yourself.